章節 169: Chapter 169: The Warmth of Friendship
"I insist that my other students be allowed to reapply," Karkaroff demanded. His voice lost its usual smoothness, and his forced smile had vanished, leaving behind a deeply displeased expression. "You must bring the Goblet of Fire back out so we can continue adding names until each school has two champions. Only then can we call it fair, Dumbledore."
"Empty threats, Karkaroff!" roared a voice near the door. Moody had just entered the room, limping toward the fireplace with his wooden leg thudding against the floor—thump, thump.
Augustus noticed Karkaroff's reaction the moment Moody stepped inside. His fists clenched, and a flicker of fear and hatred crossed his face.
Interesting. Given Moody's line of work, the only thing that could provoke such a reaction from Karkaroff—apart from personal grudges—was likely the fact that Moody had once been the Auror responsible for apprehending him.
"If anyone has a right to complain, it's Potter," Moody growled. "But… how curious… I haven't heard a single word of protest from him."
"Why should he complain?" Fleur Delacour asked, stomping her foot. "He gets to compete, doesn't he? For weeks, we've all been dreaming of being chosen! To bring glory to our schools! To win the thousand Galleon prize! It's an opportunity many would kill for!"
"Maybe someone does want Potter dead," Moody replied, his voice carrying an ominous edge.
The room fell silent. Augustus chuckled softly, impressed by the performance. Anyone unfamiliar with Moody might struggle to notice any cracks in his act. However, the question lingered: why was he so eager to have Potter participate in the tournament? What gain was there for him—or whoever was pulling the strings behind him?
On the surface, the Triwizard Tournament seemed entirely unrelated to Moody's—or his backers'—interests. Augustus rubbed his chin, silver eyes gleaming with thought.
Harry finally managed to stammer, "Professor Moody, what do you mean?"
Moody's response was calm and deliberate. "I mean that whoever put your name in the Goblet of Fire is a wizard of considerable skill..."
"Oh? And what evidence do you have for that?" Madame Maxime asked, raising her massive hands.
"Because they tricked an extremely powerful magical artifact!" Moody barked. "To deceive that Goblet into forgetting there are only three schools competing in this tournament would require a particularly sophisticated Confundus Charm. I suspect they entered Potter's name under a nonexistent fourth school and ensured he was the only candidate from it..."
Augustus nodded slightly. To tamper with the Goblet wasn't impossibly difficult, but to make it disregard all established rules and settings required a far more intricate level of magic.
From a theoretical standpoint, Moody's explanation made sense. However, it also implied that a highly motivated external wizard infiltrated the tightly secured grounds of Hogwarts, bypassed Dumbledore's protections, and enchanted the Goblet to select Harry's name. The security surrounding both Hogwarts and the Goblet should have made such a feat nearly impossible for any outsider.
This left only one logical conclusion: the culprit had to be someone inside the school. And among the suspects, the one who stood out most was the very "Moody" before them, the man seemingly in the know about everything. As the saying goes, the thief often cries the loudest to distract from their own guilt.
"We don't know how this situation came to be," Dumbledore addressed the group, "but as I see it, we have no choice but to accept it. Augustus and Harry have both been chosen as champions for Hogwarts. Therefore, they must—"
"But, Dumbledore—"
"My dear Madame Maxime, if you have another solution, I'm all ears."
It seemed the matter was settled. Like it or not, with Harry's name already drawn, competing in the tournament was his only option.
Seeing that neither headmaster voiced further objections, Crouch stepped out of the shadows and into the circle of firelight. "Very well. Since the matter is resolved, I'll now provide the champions with their first set of instructions."
"The first task is designed to test your courage," he said to Harry, Augustus, Fleur, and Viktor. "So we won't tell you what it is. Facing the unknown is an essential quality for any wizard... critically important..."
"The first task will take place on November 24th, in front of the other students and the judges."
"During the competition, champions are not allowed to seek or receive any assistance from their teachers. When you face the first challenge, your wand will be your only tool. Once the first task is complete, you'll be informed about the second. Due to the demands of the tournament, you'll be excused from end-of-year exams."
With the instructions given, Crouch bade Dumbledore farewell and left the room. Madame Maxime placed an arm around Fleur's shoulders and swiftly escorted her out. Karkaroff signaled to Krum, and the two left without a word.
"Augustus, Harry," Dumbledore said warmly, "I suggest you both get some rest. I'm sure the Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs are waiting to celebrate with you. Denying them the chance to throw a raucous party would be quite unfair."
Augustus smiled and nodded, leaving with Harry.
Walking through the now-empty Great Hall, bathed in the deep blue glow of the enchanted starry ceiling, Harry stole glances at Augustus, seemingly struggling with what to say. What should have been Augustus's honor alone had been disrupted by Harry's unexpected inclusion. Harry felt like an unwelcome intruder, a thief of recognition. As an outsider champion, he would now bear the brunt of gossip and scrutiny.
But worse was how this would affect Augustus, who had always been more of a mentor and friend than anything else.
Frustrated, Harry ruffled his hair, his emerald eyes reflecting his confusion and a trace of hurt.
Augustus chuckled softly, breaking the silence. "Don't worry too much. Now that you're a champion for Hogwarts, show some courage befitting one. What others say about you doesn't matter. As long as you give your best during the competition, your actions will speak louder than their words. Do your best, and even those who doubt you will be silenced. That said, the tournament can be dangerous, so do be careful."
Harry blinked, then nodded vigorously. A warm smile spread across his face. In moments of despair, it was always heartening to hear words of encouragement—proof that he wasn't alone after all.
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